‘Everyone has their own personality’ - Pep Guardiola explains why Joao Cancelo was allowed to leave Man City

The defender joined Bayern Munich for the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.
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Pep Guardiola has explained why he allowed Joao Cancelo to join Bayern Munich on loan.

The Manchester City full-back moved to the Bavarian side on transfer deadline day in a shock deal. Cancelo played more games than any City player last season but has struggled for minutes since returning from the World Cup. The Blues have also slightly altered their shape in recent weeks, with the switch not favouring the Portugal international’s style.

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Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Guardiola said the decision was made by all parties, with Cancelo’s need to play regular football the driving factor. “First I wish him the best for the rest of the season, his four months next season I don’t know what will happen. He has been an incredible figure in the last two Premier Leagues we won.

“After the World Cup, we made a pre-season and started to play in a different way in some patterns. I liked what I watched and I decided to give more time to players who I saw on the pitch who liked it.

“Everyone has their own personality and he loves to play and is one of the players who trains the best. In this situation he didn’t play much in the last two or three games. We cannot say he didn’t play much because in the last years he was one of the players with the most minutes by far.

“He is a guy who needs to play to be happy and we decided together, all three parts, to let him go to Munich. He wants to play every single game and hopefully that can happen in Munich.

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“Bayern Munich wanted him because he’s beyond an exceptional player. I won’t say one bad word about him. I think his work ethic, love for football, passion, his quality and skills… what can I say? Everyone knows it.

“It happened one or two days before the transfer window - really pleased with the squad I have, as always. Being not sure what to do, it’s better to have the money in the bank and not to be criticised for spending more.”